Optional: Find a group of hand sculpture images for comparison/contrast

Procedures:

Introduce the art of Ken Parker with background information and photos of his work.

Introduce/review paper maché techniques (site is no longer on line).

Assign the task of creating a paper maché hand in the style of Ken Parker. Show examples. The style and colors used will create a stylized/ abstract result.

List requirements: hands must be connected to an arm; size should be close to life-size; hand must include a school-appropriate symbol (talk about symbolism and brainstorm ideas); hand should depict a school-appropriate gesture; hand should be painted in one solid color, or in some sort of creative pattern; symbol should be painted in different colors so it will stand out. Have students sketch examples and plan out their designs.

Students use cardboard to trace their hands and arms to start as an armature. Rolled and/or crumpled newspaper is added with tape to fatten up all the parts of the armature.

Cut Styrofoam ahead of time for bases. Drill hole large enough for arm part way through Styrofoam. Put sand in hole to add weight. You can come up with an alternate method to weight down bases. If wood is used for base, no additional weight is needed.

Once desired form is achieved paper maché begins. Students will add their symbol in paper maché after at least 2 layers of paper maché. Four layers of newspaper will be used and one layer of paper towels. Base and hand is paper machéd as one piece.

Finished pieces will be painted with acrylic paints. All paper maché should be covered with opaque color using good craftsmanship. Latex pants may be used for base coats to stretch budget (Check stores for miss-mixed colors. Stores will sometimes donate these). PO-1D

Optional: Show a collection of hand sculptures for comparison/contrast.

Critique student work.

Authentic Assessment

Students will create a near life-sized arm and hand abstract sculpture with one symbol using paper maché and acrylic paints in 5-7 class periods.

Rubric:

Ken Parker Hands Rubric
Name _______________________

Requirements:

Hand is connected to an arm.
Hand is close to life-size.
Hand includes a school-appropriate symbol.
Hand shows a school-appropriate gesture.
Hand is painted one solid color or a pattern.
Symbol is painted different colors.

Yes—5

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No—1

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Other

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Craftsmanship:

Overall form is free of large lumps, rough edges, etc.
Form has adequate depth.
Form is strong and firm.
4 layers of paper towel/1 layer newspaper used.
Paint color is opaque.
All paper is covered with paint.
Free of stray paint marks, globs, etc.

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Concept/Composition:

Form is creative.
Symbol is creative.
Finish is creative.
Thoughtful planning and effort.